How Tinubu’s alleged interest in Awujale’s stool delays announcement of Oba-designate
The vacant stool of Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland may remain unoccupied longer than expected, amid indications that political interests at the highest level are slowing the process of announcing an Oba-designate.
Investigations suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged interest in the succession has contributed to the delay by the Ogun state government, despite earlier assurances that he had no preference for who emerges as the next Awujale.
The Awujale stool became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona on July 13, 2025.
Sources familiar with the matter said Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, had initially consulted President Tinubu on the succession, during which the president reportedly stated that he had no interest in the process and that traditional divination (Ifa) should guide the selection.
However, political dynamics reportedly shifted weeks later.
According to sources, when President Tinubu attended the Eyo Festival in Lagos last December, Abiodun again raised the issue.
It was during the meeting, the sources said, that the president allegedly expressed support for an unnamed candidate.
Although no official confirmation has been made, rumours within political and traditional circles suggest that the individual is Ademorin Kuye, a serving member of the house of representatives, who is said to be claiming presidential backing for the Awujale stool.
A source privy to the succession process said the president allegedly linked his position to unresolved political disagreements with the Ogun state governor.
“The president reportedly told the governor that since his preferred candidate was not appointed as a commissioner, the governor should not expect to announce his own preferred candidate as Awujale,” the source said.
Kunle Hassan, a renowned ophthalmic surgeon, is widely believed to be Abiodun’s preferred candidate for the throne.
Meanwhile, complications within the Fusegbuwa ruling House — the family next in line to produce the Awujale — have further stalled the process.
Fassy Yusuf, the deputy olori-ebi of the ruling house, had disclosed that over 60 candidates emerged from the family, making it difficult to reach a consensus.
As a result, the Ogun state government reportedly suspended the ruling house indefinitely following allegations of corruption and bribery against members of its olori-ebi council.
The 14-day ultimatum given to the family to present a consensus candidate has since elapsed, raising questions about whether the Fusegbuwa ruling house has constitutionally forfeited its turn.
Sources said Abiodun considered moving the process to another ruling house but has delayed taking a final decision due to the president’s alleged political interest in the succession.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the presidency nor the Ogun state government has issued an official statement on the matter.
